Stocks and a slew of other “riskon” assets bounced from deeply oversold levels as hope spread that another round of global monetary easing will curb the economic slowdown across the globe. In early May, all the major averages sliced below their respective 50 DMA lines which prompted us to label this market “in a correction.” Then in early June the bulls showed up and defend the 200 DMA lines for the major averages. On Friday, the bulls managed send the benchmark S&P 500 index above the neckline of its bullish inverse head and shoulders pattern (shown above). The next level of resistance is the 50 DMA line and then 2012’s highs.
Monday-Wednesday’s Action- Bad News is “Good” News:
Stocks opened higher but closed lower on Monday as enthusiasm waned regarding Spain’s $125 billion bailout. The best headline I came across was one saying, “Spain Got Tarped.” The details of the plan were not ideal and showed EU leaders just throwing more debt at a debt crisis. After the initial and expected at the open on Monday, stocks fell hard and closed near their lows of the day as investors focused on the upcoming elections in Greece and Italy’s onerous debt burden.
Stocks ended with modest gains on Tuesday but volume, a critical component of institutional activity, was lighter than Monday, as investors looked passed Spain’s woes and focused on hopes that the recent spate of “bad” news will force the Fed’s hand into another round of QE when they meet next week. Cyprus, the third smallest country in the eurozone, sports a tiny population of under 1 million, and its economy only accounts for +0.2% of eurozone GDP asked for a bailout. Yields on Spanish and Italian debt jumped on the news.
The major averages ended lower on Wednesday as sellers showed up and sent stocks lower before the close. The economic data in the U.S. was less than stellar. Retail sales fell -0.2% in May which exceeded the Street’s estimate for a decline of -0.1%. Elsewhere, producer prices missed estimates, falling -1% in May while core prices met estimates, rising +0.2%.
Thursday & Friday’s Action- Fed, ECB, Someone Save Us:
Stocks enjoyed nice gains on Thursday after global Central Banks stepped up and said they are willing to act if the Greek elections spook markets. The Labor Department said weekly jobless claims to rose to 386,000 from 380,000 which topped the Street’s estimate for 375,000. Overall consumer prices slid by -0.3%in May which topped the Street’s estimate for a decline of –0.2%. Core prices rose by +0.2% which topped the Street’s estimate for a gain of +0.1%. The government said, for the first quarter the current deficit data totaled $137.3billion, which is greater than the $130.9 billion deficit that had been anticipated. Again, stocks rallied on hopes that “bad” data will force the Fed’s (and other central bank’s) hand. Stocks rallied on Friday after the latest round of economic data was released. The data suggested that the US economy is “slowing” which investors are hoping will force the Fed’s hand at their next meeting later this month.
Market Outlook- In A Correction
From our point of view, the market is back in a correction now that all the major averages are back below their respective 50 DMA lines. Looking forward, we want to see a powerful accumulation day to confirm the latest rally attempt. Technically, the 200 DMA line and June’s lows are the next level of support while the 50 DMA line is the next level of resistance for the major averages. As always, keep your losses small and never argue with the tape.If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, feel free to contact us for more information. That’s what we are here for!
Stocks End Busy Week Mostly Higher Once again, the market had every chance in the world to fall last week and the fact that it didn’t is very bullish. Even though it was a shortened holiday week it was a busy week of headlines nonetheless. The market opened on Tuesday with a big decline after…
The major averages confirmed their latest rally attempt on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 when they produced a sound follow-through day. Looking forward, the window is now open for disciplined investors to begin carefully buying high-ranked stocks again. Technically, it was encouraging to also see the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the benchmark S&P 500 Index rally above their respective 200-day moving average (DMA) lines. Looking forward, the 200 DMA line should now act as support as this market continues advancing, while any reversal would be a worrisome sign.
Remember to remain very selective because all of the major averages are still trading below their downward sloping 50 DMA lines. It was somewhat disconcerting to see volume remain light (below average) behind the confirming gains. It is important to note that approximately 75% of FTDs lead to new sustained rallies, while 25% fail. In addition, every major rally in market history has begun with a FTD, but not every FTD leads to a new rally. Trade accordingly.
Central Banks Help Stocks Hit New Highs Stocks rallied nicely last week after nearly every major central bank in the world made it clear that they will move very slowly to “normalize” rates. Additionally, politicians in D.C. made a big step to help pass the tax reform bill. Earlier this month, I wrote, the major…
Market Action- Market In A Correction; 28-Week Rally Ends
All the major averages sliced below their respective 50 DMA lines on Thursday, March 10, 2011 and have fallen hard since then. Thursday, March 17, 2011 marked day 1 of a new rally attempt which means that the earlest a possible follow-through day (FTD) could emerge would be Tuesday, as long as Thursday’s lows are not breached. However, if Thursday’s lows are breached, then the day count will be reset and odds will favor lower prices, not higher, will follow. It is important to note that the recent ominous action reiterates the importance of raising cash and playing strong defense until a new FTD emerges. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.
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– Want Sarhan Capital To Manage Your Portfolio? – Easy Money Reigns Supreme…For Now Once again, easy money, from the Fed and other central banks, continues to send stocks higher and distort the playing field. Every major central bank in the world is back in easy money mode (including the U.S. Fed). The easy money trade…
Friday, December 14, 2012 Stock Market Commentary: Friday marked day 20 of the current rally attempt (that began on Friday, November 16, 2012- after politicians hinted that a deal would get done for the fiscal cliff). Over the past 20 sessions, the market bounced from November’s low (SPX ~1343) to November’s high (SPX ~1435), or…
